ONE GUIDE TO CUL TURAL APPROPRIA TION

Fictional examples of misappropriation based on real- life cases, provided by the Simon Fraser University report, Think Before You Appropriate, Intellectual Property Issues in Cultural Heritage Project, 2015.

MISREPRESENTS

Tipis are built by indigenous peoples of the Plains; totem poles are carved on the Northwest Coast.

REPRODUCES STEREOTYPES

This design uses images that perpetuate the idea that indigenous peoples are all the same and live in the past.

COMMODIFIES WITHOUT CONTRIBUTING

Sales do not benefit indigenous people in any way, even though the manufacturer capitalized on the popularity of indigenous imagery.

NO EVIDENCE OF A COLLABORATION

A misleading product tag attributes the rug to a “Native Iowan” but in fact it was designed by someone born in Iowa without indigenous ancestry.

IMITATES AN INDIGENOUS STYLE

The logo’s design uses typical characteristics of Northwest Coast art — colours, shapes, animal subject.

NO EVIDENCE OF A PARTNERSHIP

The organization does not indicate any partnerships with a local indigenous community.

NO EVIDENCE OF COLLABORATION WITH AN INDIGENOUS ARTIST

The organization states that the logo’s designer was “inspired by” Northwest Coast cultures.

MISREPRESENTS

The headdress depicted is specific to men’s ceremonial dress.

REPRODUCES STEREOTYPES

The term “squaw” is derogatory and evokes sexual violence against indigenous women.

COMMODIFIES WITHOUT CONTRIBUTING

The sale of these pendants does not benefit indigenous people in any way even though the manufacturer capitalized on the popularity of indigenous imagery.

SHOWS BLATANT DISRESPECT FOR SACRED ELEMENTS

These headdresses play a very important role in the spiritual life of the communities from which they originate.